Leading geologist arrested after 'suffocating wife during suicide pact'

A leading geologist, Dr William Stanton, has been arrested on suspicion of the
murder of his wife of more than 50 years after allegedly suffocating her
during a suicide pact between the devoted couple at their Somerset home.

By Andrew Hough

9:32AM BST 06 Oct 2009

The terminally-ill 79 year-old, and his wife Angela, 74, who cared for him, allegedly took the decision to die together after 52 years of marriage rather then face life apart.

Mrs Stanton was found dead at the couple's home in the Somerset village of Westbury-sub-Mendip late last month.

She died of asphyxiation.

Dr Stanton, who suffers from bone cancer, survived and has been arrested for his wife's murder.

He has been released on police bail until next month and is being cared for by his daughters.

They said the strain of caring for their extremely disabled father was too much to bear for their mother.

The couple's daughters, Susan, 44, and Jennifer, 48, said in a statement: ''Angela Mary Stanton died suddenly at 7am on Tuesday September 29.

''Her husband, William Iredale Stanton, is severely disabled and the strain of caring for him had become excessive.

''They had enjoyed 52 years of very happy marriage together and did not want to live separate, lonely existences, as their parents did."

They added: ''Both are atheists.

''Her husband lives on, cared for by his daughters.

''Dr Stanton wishes not to be disturbed.''

Dr Stanton is the leading expert geologist on the Mendip Hills, its caves and underground water systems.

He has spent his life studying the landscape and has also been a trustee of the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

A keen caver, he was the first to explore the county's subterranean chambers.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: ''The body of an elderly woman was found in her home in Westbury-sub-Mendip at 8.30am after someone visiting the address discovered her dead in her bedroom.

''A man aged 79 was arrested on suspicion of her murder at the address and taken into custody.

''A post-mortem examination was held last Wednesday that showed that she died from suffocation.